San Diego Fraternity Members Face Charges After Hazing Incident

News Summary

Four students from San Diego State University face serious charges after a hazing skit resulted in a pledge suffering severe burns during a fraternity party. The incident sheds light on ongoing issues within Greek life on college campuses. The accused face multiple charges, including recklessly causing a fire leading to great bodily injury, and their fraternity is under interim suspension while an investigation is underway. This troubling event serves as a reminder of the dangers surrounding hazing and the necessity for accountability within Greek organizations.

San Diego Fraternity Members Face Charges After Hazing Incident

In sunny San Diego, a troubling incident involving a fraternity has caught the attention of the community. Four students from San Diego State University (SDSU) are now facing serious charges connected to a hazing skit that resulted in a pledge suffering severe burns. This unfortunate event sheds light on the ongoing challenges surrounding Greek life on college campuses.

The Incident

The incident occurred during a Phi Kappa Psi party on February 17, where a pledge, Lars Larsen, aged just 19, tragically sustained burns covering 16% of his body, primarily on his legs. According to reports, he suffered third-degree burns and spent several weeks in the hospital receiving treatment, highlighting the serious ramifications of such reckless behavior.

The Accused

The four individuals charged have been identified as Caden Cooper (22), Lucas Cowling (20), Christopher Serrano (20), and, of course, the injured pledge himself, Lars Larsen (19). They face multiple charges, including recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public, and violating the social host ordinance.

Planning Gone Wrong

According to the investigation, the skit that led to these harrowing injuries was reportedly pre-planned by Cowling, Serrano, and Larsen. In a shocking turn of events, the skit ended with Serrano setting Larsen on fire after the group had consumed alcohol. This disturbing act raises questions about the culture and activities often associated with fraternity life.

Cover-Up Attempts

After the accident, it seems that the accused students may have attempted to cover up the incident. Reports suggest they lied to investigators, deleted social media evidence, and instructed other fraternity members to remain silent regarding what transpired. These actions highlight the extent to which some individuals may go to avoid accountability.

Investigation and Consequences

The university learned about the hazing incident through an anonymous tip, which led to an investigation by the SDSU police department. In response to these serious allegations, the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity is currently on interim suspension, halting all organizational activities while the investigation continues.

Legal Ramifications

The four students have been released on their own recognizance but are facing strict court orders that prohibit them from engaging in any fraternity parties or recruitment events during this time. They have entered pleas of not guilty to all charges and are scheduled to return to court on March 18. If convicted, they could face penalties ranging from probation to up to seven years and two months in prison.

University Commitment

The university is making it clear that it prioritizes the health and safety of its campus community and is committed to holding students accountable for their actions. This incident is certainly a wake-up call for the institution and its Greek life system.

The Bigger Picture

This incident is not isolated; it illustrates ongoing issues with Greek life at SDSU, which has previously faced scrutiny due to a number of alcohol-related dangers and hazing allegations. From 2014 to 2019, around 40% of SDSU’s Greek organizations were under investigation for various infractions concerning student health and safety.

As the case unfolds, the community remains hopeful that this unfortunate situation will lead to positive changes within the fraternity system, ensuring that such incidents are not repeated. It’s a stark reminder that safety should always come first, and the serious consequences of reckless behavior can affect many lives.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Lawsuit Emerges After Hazing Incident at SDSU

Additional Resources

• AP News
• CBS 8
• The New York Times
• Fox 5 San Diego
• Los Angeles Times
• Wikipedia: Hazing
• Google Search: SDSU Fraternity Fire
• Google Scholar: SDSU Hazing Incident
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraternity
• Google News: SDSU Fraternity Fire